Page 250 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Grade 12, Workplace Preparation
e1. assess electrical hazards in the home and workplace, and the social and environmental impact of electrical technologies;
e2. investigate common electrical devices, including their energy transformations and consumption;
e3. demonstrate an understanding of electrical circuits, common electrical devices, and safety procedures related to electric systems.
E1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
E2. Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication
e. electricity At home And work OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will:
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will:
e1.1 assess the social and environmental impact of electrical technologies, including the impact associated with the manufacture and disposal of electronic devices (e.g., the impact of electric- al devices used in the health care field, such as pacemakers or respirators; the impact of energy generation needed to power electrical devices and appliances) [AI, C]
Sample issue: Electronics play an important part in our everyday lives. However, disposal of used electronic equipment is a huge problem. Globally, we generate 30 to 50 million tonnes of electronic waste each year. Much of this waste is shipped to developing countries, where it is in- cinerated or dumped in landfill sites, practices that release toxic chemicals into the air or soil.
Sample questions: How often do you replace an electronic device because something newer, faster, or more powerful has been developed? What do you do with the older devices? What impact have computers had on society?
e1.2 assesselectricalhazardsthatcanbefoundat home and in the workplace (e.g., electrical outlets close to areas where spills might occur; over- loaded circuits), and propose practical courses of action to address the problems [AI, C]
Sample issue: Portable electric tools are conven- ient and efficient. However, if used improperly or if basic electrical safety precautions, such as proper grounding, are ignored, such tools can constitute a safety hazard.
Sample questions: What factors are important to consider when wiring a circuit in an area near water? What are the dangers of using electric hair dryers or razors near a sink full of water? What factors should be investigated when pur- chasing a home to ensure it meets the current electrical safety standards?
By the end of this course, students will:
e2.1 useappropriateterminologyrelatedtoelectri- city, including, but not limited to: energy, power, kilowatt-hour, potential difference, current, conductor, short circuit, circuit breaker, fuse, and resistance [C]
e2.2 draw energy flow diagrams and/or write energy transformation equations that illustrate the energy transformation occurring in household devices, including the production of waste energy (e.g., energy transformations in a digital music player: electrical energy ➞ kinetic energy + sound energy + light + waste heat energy) [C]
e2.3 build a simple electrical device or circuit (e.g., a loudspeaker, an electric motor, a D-cell, a circuit containing a 40W lightbulb and a dimmer switch), following a clear set of instructions and diagrams, and using appropriate tools safely [PR]
e2.4 calculate the electrical energy consumption of two similar appliances (e.g., an old and a new refrigerator), using the power ratings that appear on the appliance, and compare the financial and environmental costs (e.g., carbon dioxide emis- sions) of running the two appliances [AI]
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